A skilled activity in which something is made in a traditional way with the hands rather than being produced by machines in a factory. India has been known for its customs. When it comes to art and culture, India is among the most culturally rich countries in the world. Handicraft represents Indian’s culture and tradition. The feeling of home is hidden in the small things and the small stories that every item carries with it. The same is the reason behind buying handicrafts. Every piece of craft has a story, a story of the passion of the craftsmen who created it or his inspiration to make it. That’s why craft pieces make the perfect fit for any house. India is one of the leading producers and suppliers of handicraft products in the world. India has been a large producer and supplier of handicraft products for a long time. In Asian countries, handicrafts are as highly wanted as mechanized products in quality and volume and are a major source of their foreign earnings via exports. The artisanal industry is an important source of income for rural communities that employ more than six million artisans, including large numbers of women and people belonging to the weakest sectors of society. The sector is highly creative and produces a large variety of crafts products that are highly consumed and fond of. In India, the creative importance of these craft products is off the roof making sure that it fits in perfectly with the urbanized decor and connects the urban dwellers with their roots. The days of Indus Valley Civilization, artisans and craftsmen have been respected for their excellence in various kinds of handicrafts. That tradition continued well into medieval and colonial times, and flourishes even to this day. Handicrafts products of India are many and distinct from each other. From the Dokra tribal jewelry for West Bengal to the gemstone paintings by the artisans of Jaipur, handicrafts products of India are distinctly different from each other. The various handicrafts products of India can be classified under the following heads, The handicraft items are made from a variety of things like Wood, Stone, Metal, Glass, Cane & Bamboo and Pottery. Here is the list of classification of 10 Handicraft products.
1.Handlooms and Textiles
Indian hand woven fabrics have been known since time immemorial. The handlooms and textile products range from designer textile items to products of home furnishing. Though India was famous even in ancient times as an exporter of textiles to most parts of the civilized world, few actual fabrics of the early dyed or printed cottons have survived. This, it is explained is due to a hot, moist climate and the existence of the monsoons in India. Handlooms are an important craft product and comprise the largest cottage industry of the country. Millions of looms across the country are engaged in weaving cotton, silk and other natural fibers. In the world of handlooms, there are Madras checks from Tamil Nadu, Ikats from Andhra and Orissa, tie and dye from Gujarat and Rajasthan, brocades from Banaras, jacquards form Uttar Pradesh. The famed Coimbatore saris have developed while imitating the Chanderi pattern of Madhya Pradesh. The states of Kashmir and Karnataka are known for their mulberry silk. Andhra Pradesh has made a significant contribution to the history of hand-printed textiles in India. Printing is native to the land, its pigments being obtained from the flowers, leaves and barks of local trees and it chemicals obtained from clay, dung and river sands. India has been well known for textile since very ancient times. The origin of Indian textiles can be traced to the Indus valley civilization. Still we can say India is textile hub and it has thousands of clusters which beautifully weave and give is the most beautiful fabrics which mesmerize our eyes. Kalamkari is a type of hand-painted or block-printed cotton textile. There are two distinctive styles of kalamkari art in India — the Srikalahasti style and the Machilipatnam style. Chikankari is an art, which results in the transformation of the plainest cotton and organdie into flowing yards of magic.
2.Jewelry
The jewelry products from the handicrafts industry in India range from exquisite tribal jewelry to beaded, metal, lacquer and silver jewelry. Jewelry boxes with intricate tribal work are also in vogue and widely manufactured. Handmade jewelry is jewelry which has been made by hand instead of machines. Drilling, cutting, etc. can be done with the help of machines. In earlier times, members of the royal family had their own jewelers who crafted excellent jewelry with their hands according to specific needs. Types of Handmade Jewelry are jadau jewelry, kundan jewelry, gold jewelry, ivory jewelry, filigree jewelry, bead jewelry, pachchiikam jewelry, Lac jewelry etc. The gems and jewelery industry occupies an important position in the Indian economy. It is a leading foreign exchange earner, as well as one of the fastest growing industries in the country. The two major segments of the sector in India are gold jewelery and diamonds. Gold jewelery forms around 80 per cent of the Indian jewelery market. India was one of the first countries to start making fine jewelery from minerals and metals and even today, most of the jewelery made in India is hand-made. India was the first country to introduce diamonds to the world, the first to mine, cut and polish them as well as trade them. The cutting and polishing of diamonds and other precious stones is one of the oldest traditions in India.
3.Apparels and Accessories
In fashion, an accessory is an item used to contribute, in a secondary manner, to an individual’s outfit. Accessories are often chosen to complete an outfit and complement the wearer’s look. They have the capacity to further express an individual’s identity and personality. Accessories come in different shapes, sizes, hues, etc. Traditionally carried accessories include purses and handbags, hand fans, parasols and umbrellas, wallets, canes, and ceremonial swords. Accessories that are worn may include jackets, boots and shoes, cravats, ties, hats, bonnets, belts and suspenders, gloves, muffs, necklaces, bracelets, watches,[a] eyewear, sashes, shawls, scarves, lanyards, socks, pins, piercings, rings, and stockings. Ladies and gents apparels and accessories with a distinctive traditional flavor are also manufactured by the artisans from all over the country and constitute a major part of India’s handicrafts products. Fashion accessories and costume jewelery are things that are used to complement fashion. Accessories facilitate highlight address or attire. They can additionally facilitate to cover a weakness of a dress. Trends are endlessly set by adding accessories to different outfits. Accessories change a complete look, from purse to shoes to earrings and beaded necklaces to leg warmers. Accessories could also be used as external visual symbols of religious or cultural affiliation: Crucifixes, human stars, Muslim headscarves, skullcaps and turbans are common examples. India is credited as one of the oldest and protracted country for making jewelery round the globe.
4.Carpets
Carpets developed in Central and western Asia as coverings for beaten-earth floors. From time immemorial, carpets covered the floors of house and tent as well as mosque and palace. In the homes of wealthy Eastern families, floor coverings serve an aesthetic as well as a practical function. A carpet is a textile floor covering typically consisting of an upper layer of pile attached to a backing. The pile was traditionally made from wool, but since the 20th century, synthetic fibers such as polypropylene, nylon or polyester are often used, as these fibers are less expensive than wool. The pile usually consists of twisted tufts that are typically heat-treated to maintain their structure. The term carpet is often used in a similar context to the term rug, but rugs are typically considered to be smaller than a room and not attached to the floor. Indian carpets have evolved as an art form over the centuries. These woolen or silk coverings have been in vogue over the years and contribute extensively to India’s foreign earnings. Carpeting adds to the décor by using color, patterns, and pile heights. The carpeting can create the image you want in your home or business. With the hundreds of patterns, cuts, and colors, there are literally thousands of possibilities to “fulfill” the style statement. Carpet can help save energy as it is an important contributor to the insulation of the indoor environment. Carpet insulates floors as it provides a psychological feeling of warmth. Several studies find that carpets absorb sound and carpets with padding further enhance this ability. Carpet traps allergens, dust, and other contaminants, holding them until they can be properly removed.
5.Leather Goods
India is famous worldwide for its leather products. Leather is a prominent industry in India. The main sectors from which its demand is derived are fashion, footwear, furniture, interiors and automotive. While the Indian leather totals upto 13 percent of the world’s total production of skins, around 10 percent of world’s footwear production also comes from India. India’s leather industry is bestowed with skilled manpower, innovative technology, increasing industry compliance to international environmental standards and the support of allied industries. India is the second largest exporter of leather garments and third largest exporter of saddlery and harness in the world. In India, the leather is prepared from the raw-hide skin of different animals like buffalo, goat, cow and sheep. Majorly, buffalo skin and goat skin are used to make leather products that are exported to the other countries. In the past, leather was not only used in the manufacture of clothing and footwear, but also in the manufacture of caps, bags, saddles, shields, etc. Madhya Pradesh is also known for its leather goods such as shoes, bags and clothing. Maharashtra is also famous for its Kolhapuri cocoons. The major production centers for leather and leather products in India are located in the States of Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Rajastan, Kerala. Leather, a material liked by people around the world, has been used over the years by India’s handicraft artisans to produce footwear, bags, belts, cloths and other home accessories.
6.Paintings
Indian painting has a very long tradition and history in Indian art, though because of the climatic conditions very few early examples survive.[1] The earliest Indian paintings were the rock paintings of prehistoric times, such as the petroglyphs found in places like Bhimbetka rock shelters. Miniature paintings and folk art paintings are an artisan’s expression in pictorial form and have long formed an integral part of India’s handicrafts products. India has a very rich culture and tradition and it portrays it through its amazing art and craft. some of the types of Indian paintings are Phad Painting, Madhubani Painting, Warli Painting, Gond Painting, Kalamkari Painting, Cheriyal Scrolls, Patachitra Painting, Tanjore Painting, Kalamezhuthu, Mandana Art, Rajput Painting etc.
7.Garments
The textile industry of India captured the world market with its intricate artwork. Indian garments with its beautiful design and embroideries have long been a favorite in the international market. With a large variety in fabric and richness in their design, the Indian garment industry is flourishing business worldwide. The Garment Industry of India is an Rs -one trillion industry. Overall about 25 % of the volume of its garment production goes into export markets, leaving 75 % for domestic consumption. The Industry covers over one lakh units and employs about 6 million workers, both directly and indirectly in almost equal proportion. The indirect portion helps to sustain the direct production sector in the shape of items associated with the garment industry production including sewing/embroidery thread, buttons, buckles, zippers, metal plates, cardboard sheets, plastic butterflies and packaging material. Fibre-wise, 80% of the production is of cotton garments, 15% of synthetic/mixed garments and the rest of silk and wool garments. Indian sub continent is the second largest manufacturer of garments after China being the global leader in garment production. India is known for its high quality garments for men and most of the garment manufacturers are in the Small and Medium scale industry. India’s Garment Industry isa well-organized enterprise and is among the best in the world. It constitutes of designers, manufacturers, exporters, suppliers, stockists,and wholesalers. Indian Garment Industry has carved out a niche in the global markets and earned a reputation for its durability, quality and beauty. Today’schanging consumer preferences – buying branded apparel and fashion accessories, major boom in retail industry, people shopping at department and discountstores, shopping malls, with rising disposable incomes, government policy focused on fast-track textile export growth, and ambitious goals have created severalinvestment opportunities in India.
8.Paper Products
The paper industry of India was always vied for in the export market and considerably rules a strong position in the world. With varied types of paper products like paper bags, table accessories, and decorative, the industry is sure to enjoy its favorable position in the market. India’s share in the demand for paper across the globe were analysed is growing, as the domestic demand is increasing at a steady pace, while the demand in western nations is shrinking. The Indian paper & paper products market is projected to grow from $ 8.6 billion in 2018 to $ 13.4 billion by 2024, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.8% during 2019-2024. Growing manufacturing sector, requirement of better quality packaging of FMCG products marketed through organized retail and the demand for the upstream market of paper products, such as tissue paper, filter paper, tea bags, light weight online coated paper and medical grade coated paper are expected to drive the paper & paper products market in India in coming years. The Indian paper & paper products market has been segmented into raw material, application and region. Based on raw material, the market has been categorized into waste & recycled paper, wood and agro residue. The waste & recycled paper segment is expected to dominate the market during forecast period, owing to growing concerns about the cutting down of trees for producing pulp. Further, based on application, the market has been bifurcated into writing & printing paper, paperboard & packaging, newsprint and specialty paper.
9.Furniture
Manipuris an important center for Tarkashi, metal thread work, done in furniture. Sankheda in Gujaratis an important center for lathe- worked lacquered furniture. The Punjab regions are famous for their exquisite wooden furniture. Kashmir is famous for its artifacts made of walnut. Chhattisgarh craftsmen specialize in wooden crafts such as doors, window frames, and sculptures. Jharkhand is famous for its wooden toys that are always in pairs. Goa wood carvings are an aesthetic mix of Portuguese and Indian cultures, and the designs are primarily floral, animal and human figures. It is mainly made of rosewood and sandalwood engraved with designs of flowers, vines, birds, and animals. Magnificent female figures are carved from Kumbli wood in Kerala. Woodworking is the skill of making items from wood, and includes cabinet making, wood carving, joinery, carpentry, and woodturning. In Rajasthan,wooden figures of Ghangore, a form of Parvathi is worshipped. Tamilnadu has a well developed tradition of woodcarving used for decorating houses and temples. Furniture products of India are also shares a great favoritism in the world export market. Beautifully designed Beds, Stools, Cabinets, Tables, Chairs, Mirror Frames, Home Temples, Sofa Sets holds a strong position in the market.
10.Zardozi
From the medieval times the art of Zardozi has flourished, reaching its zenith under the patronage of Emperor Akbar. This gorgeous embroidery reveals artistic use of laid stitch with golden thread. It can be seen in wall hangings, chain stitch on saris, caps and other articles with heavy embroidery. As the embroidery is densely performed, designs done are extremely intricate. Initially, the embroidery was done with pure silver wires and real gold leaves. The making of zari thread is a very tedious job involving winding, twisting, wire drawing and gold plating of thread. The embroidery of zari zardozi is performed in a very interesting manner. Gold wire is carefully revolved around a silver bar tapered at one end. Then they are heated in furnace till gold and silver alloy is formed. The gilt wire, when drawn through a series of holes made on steel plates, comes out glittering as gold. The gold-coated silver wire is then flattened and twisted around silk thread to obtain zari. Zardozi has remained as an appliqué method of embroidery. With one hand the craftsman holds a retaining thread below the fabric. In the other he holds a hook or a needle with which he picks up the appliqué materials. Then he passes the needle or hook through the fabric. After hours of painstaking labor, the result is an exquisite gold-veined work of art. The intricate gold designs are made from silk, velvet, and even fabrics famous in the state of Uttar Pradesh. However, today, artisans use a combination of copper wire, with a gold or silver polish, and a silk thread. This embroidery work is mainly a specialty of Lucknow, Bhopal, Hyderabad, Delhi, Agra, Kashmir, Mumbai, Ajmer, and Chennai. The art of zardozi was revived along with many traditional methods of embroidery in the middle of this century. Zari work was mainly done in Madras and zardozi in Hyderabad until a few decades ago. Today, Uttar Pradesh is home to this finest work of gold and silver embroidery. This craft has caught on to a larger region of Bareilly such as Allampur, Faridpur, Biharkala, Nawabganj and Chandpur.
